My nephew Zion turned one years old last month, and man did that come quick! I feel like it wasn’t too long ago that I was rushing to Paris to fall in love with him. (Click here to read that story).

One of my favorite things to do in this season his life, is watch his development. I get a kick out of observing him try new things and discover so much for the first time. I see him fearlessly maneuver and attempt to figure out ways of doing. I see him formulating likes, and even testing his limits. He listens and studies our eyes and lips when we speak. He deciphers and identifies words that we say, associating them with things and people that we address. I love to see this!, and it’s a precious reminder of how we all should be with our own Abba, Father.

You know what I really love, though??? His response to his name! It amazes me how powerful names and labels are, and how they can become ingrained in an individual before they even make it earth-side! At just one years old, Zion knows that he is Zion, he knows that he is “Auntie’s baby”, that he is G-Mama’s “buddy”, that he’s his mama’s “little man”, and that he is “so cuuute!”, and incredibly loved. He knows and he doesn’t for a second answer by what he doesn’t know. I can only imagine how hard his development would be if he didn’t know his name. How strange it would be if when we called his name he never turned his head in acknowledgement.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you…” – Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT)

So I encourage you all today to open your bibles and discover your identity (like a child). I encourage you all to forgive whoever called you something that you’re not. Remove the debt and harsh labels (Matt. 6:12) and clothe yourself with the truth! How strange it is for us to not know who we are when our source (The word of God) and Resource (God himself!) is so easily accesible to us.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. – Psalms 139:13‭-‬14 (NLT)

Start fresh. Rule out any and everything that you’ve heard before, and declare in our heart right now, and adopt in your mind, right now, that our heavenly Father and Creator is the only One who is right! Let God be true and every man a liar! (Romans 3:4). Zion doesn’t rely on his own understanding, He trusts that what we are teaching him is what is right, as we should also trust God. (Proverbs 3:5)

I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:17 NLT

When we know who and whose we are, the enemy’s foothold is loosened. The truth exposes lies and causes veils to fall. It grants sight to the blind. No more feeling our way through the darkness and crossing our fingers in hopes that we’re on the right path.

It’s time for certainty in identity! No more flip flopping doubts, embarrassment and pride about who we are! No more masks and weird phases, no turbulent cycles and emotional roller coasters. NO. MORE!!

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. ‘Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.’” – 1 Peter 2:9‭-‬10 NLT

As representatives of Christ, any and everyone should clearly recognize who we are and Who we represent by the fruit that we produce. As of late, I feel such a burden to encourage the body of Christ to increase their level of integrity. So, I’m blasting my imaginary megaphone and shouting loud and clear…”COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE YE SEPARATE!” (See 2 Corinthians 6:17).

Are you telling a little white lie?
Not letting the cashier know he/she overcharged you?
Ordering water, but filling your cup up with soda?
California rollin’ through the stop sign?
Illegitimately parking in handicap for just a few minutes?
Leaving tags on purchased clothing, wearing them, and returning them?

CUT THAT OUT!

These are just a few examples of spirit-grieving acts that lack integrity. These may seem small, but as long as you’re dishonest in little, you will be dishonest with much (See Luke 16:10). If you relate, I encourage you to repent and ask the Holy Spirit to help you cut this out. Ask God to purge you and for His Spirit to fill you. We already know that sin pays in death, so don’t take the job! Our brother, Paul, has clearly felt our pain in this area. He said…

14-16 I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are
spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.

17-20 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t doit. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

21-23 It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

24 I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?– Romans 7:14-24

You better believe that the world is watching, and more importantly, our Heavenly Father is watching. As long as we’re bound, we’re incapacitated; unable to properly strengthen the body and help them get free from their sins that once enslaved us.

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. – Hebrews 10:26 (NLT)

Allow me to remind you of what the Lord hates…

Now let me remind you of the true definition of blessed…

There’s a huge misconception in the world, and even in the body of Christ of what it means to be BLESSED. Do not be deceived! Following Christ is not your ticket to wealth, prosperity and instant gratification. If that’s what you’re after, you ought to follow Satan (or maybe you are unknowingly). He’ll give it to you now, as a down payment for hell later. Following Christ is your ticket to Heaven. We endure now, and prosper in eternity later.

Now don’t get me wrong, the Lord does give material gifts, but from my personal experience, they start flowing once they don’t matter (ha!). The world oohs, ahhs and huffs and puffs in jealousy when they see your gifts, while all along in your heart, you’re like “pssh…this?”. God loves giving to these kind; they’re not discontent and adulterous lusting for more.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.– Philippians 3:18 (NLT)

The Lord recently gave me a dream that Isis (Islamic State) came here. To the United States, I believe California. There was a terrorist invasion and I, with a group of others were captured and they tried to get me to deny Jesus Christ and I didn’t. I remember not denying Christ and then being killed quickly. Amazingly it was like a wonderful quick trip to somewhere I had always wanted to be.

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV)

I didn’t know that I was a martyr until I was on the other side (not on earth). I didn’t know at any point leading up to then. We have so many callings that come into fruition. Death was better than “life” and I had won! I didn’t know if I was in heaven, but It was all-around good…and maybe the state, was what was good. Similar to earth in the way that perception is everything and the truth sets you free. I was in truth…and in hope…and in love…and in goodness. It was a state being, and that is where I was. Maybe that is what heaven is.

What I want you to know is: It’s all a lie! We have nothing to be afraid of. We can live amazing, bold, free and radical lives for Christ here on earth, and eternity awaits thereafter! The enemy is deceptive. He makes us think and feel that leaving this earth is a bad thing; that it’s horrible, that’s its a loss. But, that’s only the case if you haven’t accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. JESUS IS LORD.

The Lord says…

The end of a matter is better than its beginning… – Ecclesiastes 7:8a (NIV)

Here on earth we cry when people die because the earth is full of pain and sorrow. That doesn’t exist in the presence of God. So all of my earthly family and friends should really wipe their tears, if possible, and celebrate, if possible, and remain hopeful, if possible, that they too will get to join in at this party. So go out and work hard. Not for man, but for God’s kingdom. Invite and bring as many souls as possible…there’s so much room.

After this dream, I know that If anything ever happened to me “tragically” on earth, I would never want to be resuscitated, because death here (on earth) is a wonderful and beautiful life somewhere else. Please, release me in love and let me live.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. – 1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. – Acts 13:49-52

My prayer is that we as Christians, would be so full of the Holy Spirit that demonic principalities at work; the evil one, cannot harm us. It is my prayer that we would easily dust our feet when needed, and always leave full of joy whether the word of The Lord is received or not.

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. – 1 John 5:18

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'” – Mark 16:15 (ESV)

I recently became a notary public for the State of California (Woot! Woot!). In a nut shell, what we do is legally serve the public (without offering legal advice), but mostly by signing and stamping documents with an official seal that pretty much makes them legit with the state to be used in court, or life, or whatever. That’s the “Nu” version.

Ever since I found out that a “commission” is what I was to receive from the Secretary of State before I could perform notarial duties, I was intrigued by the word. I looked it up and laughed. It was like an inside joke between God and I.

I liked these below:

com·mis·sion

kəˈmiSHən/

noun

an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people.

a group of people officially charged with a particular function.

verb

give an order for or authorize the production of (something such as a building, piece of equipment, or work of art).

bring (something newly produced, such as a factory or machine) into working condition.

I realized that this commission to serve the public in the natural was yes, something ordained by the State of California, but my greatest commission and high calling to go out and proclaim the gospel and spread the love of Christ in this hurting and dying world is far more valuable. I am grateful for the God-given revelation in this parallel and for the opportunity to serve Him in serving you, His people. That, my friends is our greatest commission and we can expect a great reward in Heaven. I don’t take my birth lightly, nor more duty following. I heard Dr. Tim Storey say once that, “You’re a big deal” and I agree. God does so much, and allows us as individual believers to go through so much…for just one sometimes. What an honor to serve you, to teach you…what an honor to love you and prepare you (and me) for the Kingdom!

16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

So lately I’ve really been wanting to get into my word differently. Not just randomly ya know? I mean, nothing wrong with that but I just want more. I’m hungry. I don’t mind bouncing around and re-reading this chapter and going back to that book, but it seems like it would all just stick differently after having read the entire thing. I’ve never read the entire bible. I’ve attempted many times, but just never seemed to complete the task. I would all of a sudden get bored of some parts, couldn’t follow others as well out of sequence, or come across a certain book of the bible that just was not an easy read for me. I know there are supplements and chronological bibles, and different versions…but I wanted something really suited for me, not just another suggestion that sounds up my alley, ya know? You know those bible in a year plans? Yea, it’s like I start, doing well, and then I take a detour. Remember that movie, “A Bug’s Life”? All of this reminds me of that part where the bug is flying and then loses focus because it’s attracted to the light and gets zapped lol. Yup, I’m sick of getting zapped.

Hmm…maybe the free spirit in me just doesn’t have an appreciation for the “helpful” guide telling me to read these 3 chapters in Daniel on Tuesday when maybe I feel like reading James this Tuesday. I spiced it up a bit and now I’m off the plan lol. I can only do monotony in moderation. All that being said…*drumroll*….I’ve began reading “The Story” by Max Lucado & Randy Frazee. It’s just that too…a chronological bible in the form of a story. Yes! I hope I’ve found a winner.

So in The Story, like the bible it starts with the beginning (Genesis) when God created the heavens, the earth, Adam and all that good stuff. All of a sudden I became fascinated with this fact that I’ve known for years. Fascinated with how beautiful it was for a woman to be created from such an awesome part of the man’s body that indeed does help and support, as us women are built and purposed to do for our husbands. I love the picture that it paints.

“But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.”

As many of you probably know, the ribs surround the chest and in turn protect the body’s heart, lungs, and internal organs. That’s a lot! Like the ribs, wives aid and protect their husbands in often the most gentle of ways. His lungs which give him breath to live…and his heart, the origin of all matters of his being. If those organs aren’t intact, neither is he. If he’s our leader and he’s not intact, shoot, neither are we. That’s “one”. That’s a great responsibility. To be called a wife or a husband is such a high calling that I think gets taken way too lightly. It’s never to early or late to start praying for your spouse. You love them, right? Prayer is the most loving thing you can do. It covers a multitude.

Now, I was married years ago…yea yea yea but I don’t even feel like it. I mean I recognize that it was big and it’s definitely one of those things that I would talk about in it’s entirety with my future husband, but It’s really like a childhood memory now, in the past. I’m just sooo different from that girl back then, I’ve been single longer than I was ever married, and that ending was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It brought me back to my first love appropriately and I began transforming and growing as I moved forward. I’m new. If you’ve ever moved forward, then you know very well that moving forward requires that you don’t look back. God’s funny though, because then he’ll “bring you back” just to show you that you’ve moved forward. So sweet, I love it.

But back to the rib. So the rib is this super great part with a great role, right? but the fascinating part was that God created more than just a rib. God created and entire being of it’s own. A beautifully made woman perfectly suited. I can see God now molding and shaping all the curves inside and out. She went from good to great in His hands. I’m sure Adam woke up like “heeeey” haha. In the words of my best friend “Get you some of that” lol.

At my church, a man who desires and is looking for a wife is jokingly said to be “looking for a rib” haha. And so, whenever a guy is interested in me that I have no interest in, I jokingly say to myself, “Uh uh…I ain’t your rib!” We will not be making eye contact. You better pay attention to the sermon! lol…really though.

Now I’m no expert, but I do have pretty good relationship experience. In thinking of how wonderful a man and a woman are apart, I can’t help but think about the beauty in them being together. So here’s a “Rib Tip” If I may for singles like myself…

Fellas — If you want a good rib, I recommend you be a good and faithful steward and gardener in the small areas. Take care of all that the Lord has already blessed you with. While you do have to pursue and make your presence known, if she’s a wise woman you don’t have to try hard to get noticed. A wise woman is not easily fooled and sees what matters. It’s your choice to make that work for you or against you. If she’s interested, I hope she’s praying for you. If you’ve already found your soon to be rib, awesome! Remember that loving her is truly loving yourself. If you’re garbage, so is she. If you don’t have it together, don’t expect her to either.

Ladies — The bible said a man findeth a wife, so if you’re looking for a man (or wearing nothing to get his attention), cut that out. You are who you attract. I don’t believe looking for him is your job. Eve didn’t choose Adam, God chose Eve for Adam. Let your man receive from the Lord on who his wife is. Hold on to that truth…he’ll come. And truthfully, who knows, he might already be there and you not realize it. Some of the best relationships begin as friendships. Pray that he finds you in God’s timing and that you are both prepared when he does. Focus on loving the everlasting man you already have and should be your world, Jesus. If you’re in a relationship, stay honest with yourself and your partner. The second you recognize you’re not his rib, save the heartache and end it. It can turn into mess that God won’t bless. Some days it’s annoying and you want your fairy tale prince to hurry up and awaken you from your slumber, I know. But that’s not real, and you don’t want anything half-baked. Easier said than done but just keep praying, sitting pretty, loving God, and loving people. Forever is a long time – that’s how long you want with him, right? Well I promise this wait won’t be as long. I love you and I’m praying for us. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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I’m in tears…surprised much? Don’t act new, ya’ll know I’m water works! Today we got some happy tears of gratitude going on (I cry those the most). I received a prophetic word from my “uncle” today via e-mail and boy oh boy was it timely. I’ve been so blessed in my obedience to move to the East Coast. As I’ve walked by faith and not by sight the Lord has really opened up doors and windows and boxes…he’s stretching me to a new level; a place where he desires for me to be in Him. At times I’m overwhelmed, but I’m trying to remain receptive of it all…it’s coming so quickly. Pray for me.

Now, I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again, A prophecy is a confirmation of what you already know. I have been prayerful (and remain prayerful) throughout this entire transition and this word that he sent me aligned perfectly. He said:

Chan’tel, prophetically speaking, God showed me your new named character for the season today to share. Your name is “Ruth” and as you walk in Ruth 1:16 you will follow a great mentor in the faith. God wants to stretch you and it was required he put somebody into your life with a different experience and insight. God is raising up leaders with solutions for today’s problems and that’s why you are here.

Ruth gleaned from Naomi and got into the right field as in her leaving Moab where things were bad, to go to Bethlehem, where things are good (Richmond). *tears began flowing* Remember this Ruth moment, “So Ruth left the comfort of the familiar, stepped out in faith, and not only ended up surviving, but THRIVING. In the end she married Boaz, the OWNER OF THE FIELD, and went on to become part of the family of King David and our Lord Jesus Christ. How’s that for a turn around? God’s plan for your future involves connection with the right people (already started) and being in the right field. SO ask Him to guide you.

proph·e·cy/ˈpräfəsē/
Noun:

A prediction of what will happen in the future.
The faculty, function, or practice of prophesying.

I receive it and I receiveded it. I ask that you all continue to keep me in your prayers during this journey. When people are raised up in the world they often change negatively. My prayer is that as God raises me up in His kingdom, that I will change positively and bring many up with me.